Pope Francis hosted a lunch at the Vatican for 1,300 underprivileged individuals from Rome. He expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by dioceses worldwide to assist the disadvantaged. The Italian Red Cross provided the meal, supported by 340 volunteers, highlighting community efforts to uplift those in need.
During the Angelus before the lunch, Pope Francis mentioned that November 17 is the World Day of the Poor, focusing on the theme “The prayer of the poor rises up to God.” He encouraged reflection on personal sacrifices made to help the needy and emphasized that the poor deserve immediate attention and action.
Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, explained that Pope Francis’s annual gesture aims to restore dignity to marginalized individuals, following the example of Jesus. Organizations like the one led by Rosario Valastro strive to maintain the visibility and dignity of those living at society’s edges through simple, kind actions.
The meal featured dishes like vegetable lasagna, beef meatloaf, mashed potatoes, fruit, and dessert. Each guest received a backpack from the Vincentian Fathers, containing food and hygiene items.
The efforts of the Dicastery for Evangelisation culminated this week with various charitable initiatives, including bill payment support for struggling families, enabled by UnipolSai insurance. The Madre di Misericordia clinic provided extensive aid, serving nearly 1,000 impoverished individuals during the week through volunteer contributions.
In Italy, over 5 million people live in absolute poverty, comprising 9.7% of the population. Caritas Italiana presented their annual report on poverty, indicating that poverty levels remain historically high, with no signs of alleviation despite ongoing community support and outreach efforts.
Pope Francis’s lunch for Rome’s poor underscores the ongoing efforts of the Catholic Church and charitable organizations to support marginalized communities. The event, held in conjunction with World Day of the Poor, highlighted the need for immediate action to assist those in poverty. Despite support initiatives, poverty levels in Italy continue to rise, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and charitable actions.
